Mending Hearts Inc

Results: General Demographics: In FY 2018, Mending Hearts served 367 addicted women who were homeless or at risk of homelessness. The target population included three ethnic groups with 13% African-American, 84% Caucasian, and 3% Asian/Hispanic/Latino American or other. Mending Hearts serves an age range from 18-65 with the age breakdown consisting of 12% age 18-24, 45% age 25-34, 29% age 35-44 and 14% over age 45. 28% of clients have dependent children. It is interesting to note in 2016, 59% of clients had dependent children. Health Demographics: For the 367 women served in FY2018, 56% were referred through the criminal justice system, the primary chronic disabilities were: 11% used alcohol, 89% used drugs (of these 15% used opioids, 27% used methamphetamines, 12% used heroin, 13% used cocaine and 34% used both alcohol and drugs). The age of first use of drugs or alcohol were 26% under age 13, 52% age 13-17, 11% age 18-20, 21% age 21 and up. 89% remained drug and alcohol free. Social & Economic Demographics: Of the 367 women served at Mending Hearts in FY2018, 87% were living in poverty per HUD 2018-extremely low-income limits of less than $15,750/year with food insecurity and 99% are food stamp eligible. According to the Sycamore Institute (July 2018), Davidson County’s 2012-2016 poverty rate was 17.7%. This ranked 34th out of 95 counties in Tennessee. When compared to the National average of 15.1%, poverty rate in Davidson County, TN is higher at 17.7%. 44% of women at Mending Hearts have a GED or better and 3 were enrolled in GED in FY2018, 66% were affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking at some point in their life, 86% (315) of 367 women successfully found employment and 61 women increased their income. Clinical Care Demographics: For the 367 women served in FY2018, 65% were uninsured, 91% have a co-occurring mental health condition along with their addiction. Mothers and children: For FY2018, 86% of the women admitted to Mending Hearts were of child bearing age. 28% of the residents have dependent children. Mending Hearts’ Mom’s with Kids Program served two mothers with her children, 2 girls and 1 boy, in their own apartment units. 100% of the mom’s and her children were Caucasian, both experienced domestic violence and both were employed.

Target demographics: women who may be homeless and are suffering from the disease of addiction from alcohol and/or drugs

Direct beneficiaries per year: 367 women

Geographic areas served: Mending Hearts serves a wide diversity of residents that enter the residential recovery program with fear, uncertainty, pain and shame. The thread that unites them all is the longing for hope and the desire to abstain from using drugs and alcohol. At Mending Hearts, we believe that life does get better and that a full recovery from addiction is possible.

Programs: Mending Hearts’ full Continuum of Care includes evidence-based curriculum that builds a “recovery-oriented system of care” for the women in the program. 1. Social Setting Detox and Residential Rehabilitation: This provides integrated co-occurring disorder treatment with the focus on stabilization. It integrates cognitive and behavioral changes and addresses health issues. 2. Medication Assisted Detox Treatment Program (MAT): Provide a person-centered opioid addiction treatment. Our specialized team of medical professionals and counselors strive to maximize your comfort during this time of recovery treatment. 3. Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program (IOP): The Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program focuses on the individual needs of clients by involvement in the following therapeutic processes: individual and group therapy, family seminar, addiction/co-occurring education lectures, experiential and skill building groups, Seeking Safety and Self-Help Programs’ involvement. 4. Peer Support Community with Transitional Housing: Provides a safe and secure living environment where every resident is a role model for the residents behind them. Phase 1: Residents entering this program are introduced to a culture of accountability for themselves and their peers. Groups and classes consist of: self-care, trauma/seeking safety, self-esteem, GED/computer/resume classes, campus NA/AA meetings, financial planning, criminal thinking group and re-entry program. Phase 2: Residents at this level begin implementing the life skills taught in Phase 1. Continued education and recovery support is provided through group support and relapse prevention strategies, all while residents are working, saving money and repairing/building relationships with their children and family. 5. Moms with Kids program: This program allows mothers to continue to receive recovery support services while parenting her children with affordable housing in a recovery community environment. Our capacity is 102 beds for women seeking recovery and we maintain a waiting list for available spaces. Our goal is to end the cycle of addiction and to develop responsibility, work ethics and self-esteem along with a strong and lasting support system for the women we serve.